The capital of Hawaii is both a city and a beach destination, and it is where most people begin their time on Oahu. About 340,000 people live in the city, which stretches from Waikiki to the leafy Manoa valley and out to suburbs like Hawaii Kai. Island life is a mix of Hawaiian, Pacific and Asian cultures, and you hear Pidgin and Japanese and Tagalog in daily conversation.
Visitors can hike Diamond Head, swim and snorkel at Hanauma Bay (with a reservation), visit Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace, and drive to the North Shore for surf and food trucks. The catch is the cost. Honolulu is among the most expensive places in the country to live, with limited housing and high prices. It is generally safe for visitors, with car break-ins at trailheads and beach lots the most common problem, plus rip currents, shore break, and strong sun.
Cities with a similar character, anywhere on the site.
Out of 10. Open any score to see how it’s worked out. “Data-based” scores come from published figures; “Hey! En Route estimate” scores are worked out from what we know about the city; “Hey! En Route rating” scores were set by our editors.
- Known as
- The Gathering Place (Oahu); Aloha City; Capital of Hawaii; Crossroads of the Pacific; Waikiki (district)
- Founded
- 1845 became Kingdom capital; 1907 incorporated as a city; later consolidated as City and County of Honolulu
- Languages
- English; Hawaiian (official state language, some Hawaiian place names and phrases in daily use); Hawaiian Pidgin (Hawaii Creole English); Tagalog; Japanese; Ilocano
- Airports
- Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL), about 10 km west of Waikiki; Kalaeloa Airport (JRF) is general aviation. Neighbor-island flights from HNL to Maui (OGG), Kauai (LIH), Kona (KOA), Hilo (ITO)
- Tipping
- Restaurants 18-20%; bars $1-2 per drink; taxis and rideshare 15-20%; luau and tour guides 10-20% or $5-10 per person; hotel bellhops $2-5 per bag; housekeeping $3-5 per night; valet $3-5; hair and spa 18-20%
